Youth support charity Creative Youth Network has become the first and only organisation to receive an “outstanding” rating through the National Youth Agency’s Quality Mark scheme, which recognises good practice in youth services.

The NYA said the West of England based charity has been recognised “for its progressive approach to widening participation of young people across the organisation as well as its proven track record in co-designing programmes that recognise - and act upon - the needs and interests of the region’s many diverse communities”.

The charity offers a range of support including helping young artists and performers, offering careers advice, and involving young people in local decision making.

It works with 7,500 young people a year across Bristol and South Gloucestershire through its 23 youth centres.

“Day in, day out I see the incredible work that our delivery teams do, working with some of the most under-served and under-represented young people in our society,” said Creative Youth Network chief executive Mark Coates.

“To have the quality of that work externally recognised, and in particular to be the first organisation recognised at Outstanding level in our region, is testament to an amazing team that we – and our region’s young people – are lucky to have.”



Among participation work Creative Youth Network is involved in is the “We the 33” event where young people are given a speaking platform to influence local policy makers on issues ranging from violence to climate change.

NYA quality practice manager Laura Keegan added: “I was impressed by the extent to which young people are engaged with decision making, helping to shape the charity’s strategy and propelling outstanding levels of quality youth work.”

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